The Ultimate Modelling Glue

The following article appeared in The Branchline, the (paper) newsletter published regularly by AMRA(WA).

Acrylic fingernail extension glue turns out to be excellent for modelling in a variety of plastics. This 4g bottle cost $7.15.

Quite by accident I may have just discovered the ultimate modelling adhesive. It contains cyanoacrylate [super glue], and methyl ethyl ketone[for polystyrene] as well as an adhesive for acrylic. It is applied with a brush in the cap, which is quite practical as it doesn’t set as quickly as straight super glue. I’ve been trying it on every kind of plastic I can find and it hasn’t failed me yet. It will even stick the old resin plastic used in early Tri‐ang trains. On polystyrene it sets quicker than plain MEK and is very strong once dry.

It isn’t a rare and exotic product but is available in shops all over Perth. It sells under the brand name of MANICARE and is used for attaching acrylic fingernail extensions. So, just form an orderly queue at the cosmetics counter of your local Pharmacy and tell them you want to have longer fingernails.

Editor’s note/safety warning: Despite the apparent innocuous use that this product is designed for please ensure that you have adequate ventilation when using MANICARE and do not smoke while using it. The use of some form of eye‐shield would also seem to be a sensible precaution.